CS35 Plus I vs Seltos I: which is better?
Changan CS35 Plus I (2018–present) vs Kia Seltos I (2019–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Changan CS35 Plus I
Kia Seltos ISpecifications
| Changan CS35 Plus I | Kia Seltos I | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2018–present | 2019–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.4 Turbo | 2.0 |
| Power, up to | 150 hp | 149 hp |
| Torque, up to | — | 179 Nm |
| Gearbox | dual-clutch (DCT) | CVT |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 335 mm | 4 370 mm |
| Width | 1 825 mm | 1 800 mm |
| Height | 1 660 mm | 1 645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 600 mm | 2 630 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 190 mm |
| Fuel tank | — | 50 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 8 650 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Changan CS35 Plus I
Pros
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Changan Blue Core engine: new, little reliability data so far
- 6/7DCT dual-clutch gearbox (Chery, Haval, Geely, Changan): jerks and hesitation when pulling away
- Front-wheel drive only
Engine (Changan Blue Core): data limited; no widespread serious problems known so far.
Gearbox (6/7DCT robotized gearbox (Chery, Haval, Geely, Changan)): jerks and delay when pulling away; overheating in traffic on some units.
Kia Seltos I
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Local assembly: Kazakhstan
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 engine (G4NA, G4NB): cylinder scoring
- Hyundai IVT CVT gearbox: some complaints of jerking when pulling away
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 (G4NA, G4NB)): cylinder scoring; increased oil consumption; catalytic converter debris.
Gearbox (Hyundai IVT CVT): the gearbox is relatively new, statistics are being gathered; there are complaints about jerks when pulling away.
Which one to choose
- CS35 Plus I — if you care more about: power, kz tax 2026.
- Seltos I — if you care more about: wheelbase.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: CS35 Plus I or Seltos I?
CS35 Plus I: up to 150 hp, Seltos I: up to 149 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: CS35 Plus I — about 8 650 ₸, Seltos I — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.